Limassol Festival, Andre Rieu live and Londa Jazz nights – Greek muse of song shines on in autumn!

Aug 31, 2018

August turns into September and Limassol still basks in 12 hours of glorious Mediterranean sunlight at a sizzling 32C everyday! Music to the ears of late holidaymakers and other visitors to Cyprus, of course! Even during the autumn and winter months, both the average air and sea temperatures in Limassol tend to hover around 24C.

The “warmest” of welcomes, indeed, for guests at any time enjoying a mini-break in Limassol. And there’s more music to delight guests checking in right now at Londa hotel. The sound of “The Mousai” – the mythic Greek ‘Muses’ of music, song and dance – is a permanent cultural glow over the Limassol landscape. Late August, early September, for example, brings the latest presentation in the Londa Jazz 2018 series, the gentle smiling beams of The Limassol Acoustic Festival – back for the 5th consecutive year – plus the “hot ticket” vibes of global superstar, King of the Waltz, André Rieu!

Sunday evening of Jazz in a relaxed vibe

As in previous years, throughout 2018 Londa has staged a regular series of jazz nights, featuring some of the best Jazz concert musicians from Russian and Cyprus. A Sunday evening of Jazz in a relaxed vibe on the Caprice Restaurant balcony is definitely a go-to venue on the Limassol music scene! Sunday September 2nd will be no exception, as it features Russian jazz stars Andrey Lobanov and Alexey Podymkin in concert with the acclaimed Leonid Nesterov Trio.

Trumpet player Andrey Lobanov has played with Dave Brubeck, Scott Hamilton, Joe Locke, and other jazz giants. Piano/ keyboard maestro Alexey Podymkin says he knew he had to become a musician when as a young student, he first heard the recordings of Count Basie and his band. Over the last 2 decades, Alexey has been constantly collaborating on musical projects with the likes of Wayne Escoffery, Abraham Burton, Richie Cole and the “Godfather of 1970s Fusion”, the late Larry Coryell. Click here to book.

14 performances of differing music genres

Cool jazz tones on a Sunday night is definitely the perfect way to round off a chill-out weekend devoted to the ancient musical muses! Over the preceding two days, the 5th Annual Limassol Acoustic Festival presents 14 performances of differing music genres from local Cypriot musicians at the Old Municipal Market, Limassol, 18:00 – 01:00.

Friday 31st August will focus on acoustic acts including Kostas Apokides, Michalis Kontovourkis, Panayiotis Alexandrou and Introvert. Taking to the stage on Saturday 1st September will be some of the islands best bands, such as Private Garden, the Smallest Creature and Slightly Offensive. The Festival – which is free entrance – will also feature handcrafts, photography & painting exhibition, vinyl record stalls, street food, cocktails and more.

Holiday explorers will have another chance to indulge their passion for all things authentic and cultural at a second exhibition of handmade items created by local Cypriot artists at the Old Port Square, Limassol on Sunday 1st September, 11:00 – 22:00. On show will be a wide variety of products including handmade Handbags, Soaps, Candles, Jewellery, Beeswax Cream, Homemade Pasta, Juices and Sweets. A traditional Loom will also be set up with demonstrations of weaving and as well as original knitted crochet work.

One of the world’s biggest touring acts

Lovers of the popular classics, especially waltz music will almost certainly be aware of André Rieu. The Dutch violinist and conductor is best known for creating one of the world’s biggest touring acts, the 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra. Every year at this time, Rieu, who is of French Huguenot origin, presents a special concert from his hometown in Maastricht, Netherlands, set against the atmospheric backdrop of the medieval town square.

Following on from the release of his album “Amore, My Tribute to Love” in 2017, featuring versions of classic love songs from popular and classical music, this year’s concert is also themed as a “celebration of love”. For this very special occasion, all those attending the concert at the cinema will be invited to dedicate a waltz to their loved ones. André will personally select a dedication, and he will announce the winner during the concert.

Entire three hour concert at the Rialto

Sopranos, tenors, and special guests also perform for his ever-growing legion of fans, many of whom will be arriving from all corners of the world for the annual extravaganza, which is to be streamed live to more than 2000 cinemas worldwide. Those fans of André Rieu – often called The King of the Waltz – who are staying on the island when it is screened on Sunday 9th September will definitely not miss out. The entire three hour concert – including special behind the scenes extras – will be at broadcast at the Rialto, Limassol, starting at 19:00.

There is only ever an average 3 per cent possibility of rain in Limassol during September. Will it occur while watching Jazz at Londa on a Sunday night? Perhaps over the following Sunday’s André Rieu concert? The curious visitor in search of boutique experience needs little excuse to follow the call of the eternal muse and head in search of a musical adventure!